Pelham dad blows whistle on celebrating graduates; party busted

June 16. 2014 2:21PMPELHAM — A parent called police Saturday night after he tracked down his son at a Monument Hill Road address where an underage drinking party was taking place to celebrate Pelham High School's graduation.

The father, whose name police are not releasing because of the ongoing investigation, told officers that when he arrived to pick up his son he saw 40 to 50 underage people drinking alcohol.

As he waited for police to arrive, the parent said he stopped a few minors from driving away from the scene.

He told police that Sandra Whiting, 47, the owner of the 3 Monument Hill Road home, invited him inside but he refused and exchanged words with her over what was allegedly taking place.

Officers talked with his 18-year-old son, who confirmed it was an underage drinking party celebrating graduation at Pelham High School, and that there were at least 40 or more teens drinking inside.

Windham police officers were called in to help.

Police said Whiting would not let them inside her house.

Officers, as a result, surrounded the home and made multiple announcements for the minors to come out voluntarily.

Vehicles were lined up on both sides of the road and officers identified the owners of them through the license plates. A dispatcher then called parents, asking they come get their child to voluntarily come out of the house.

With the help of the parents, officers were able to release about 35 underage minors to a responsible adult or parent.

Officers obtained a search warrant and at 4:20 a.m. Sunday entered the home, which they described as smelling of marijuana and alcohol.

Police said four minors were sleeping in the attic and three others were sleeping in the living room. All were released to a responsible adult.

Most of the alcohol was thrown out, but police said they found about five large bags of empty alcohol bottles and cans hidden in the basement.

Investigators said they also found a funnel, a marijuana grinder, a glass bong and a marijuana joint.

The case remains under investigation. Sgt. Anne Perriello said police expect to bring charges against Whiting and a few of the underage teens.